On 8 January 2010, Togo’s national team bus crossed into the Angolan province of Cabinda on the way to the Africa Cup of Nations. Gunmen opened fire. Among the players who threw themselves to the floor was the team’s captain and biggest star, Emmanuel Adebayor.
Adebayor survived. Others did not.
From Lomé to Europe
Adebayor was born in Lomé, Togo, and moved to France as a teenager to play for Metz. He then joined Monaco, where he helped the club reach the Champions League final in 2004.
Arsenal
In January 2006, Arsenal signed him. Tall, skilful and quick, he became one of the Premier League’s top strikers, scoring 24 league goals in the 2007-08 season.
African Footballer of the Year
In 2008, Adebayor was named African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Togolese player to win the award.
Togo’s World Cup
Adebayor was the leading figure in Togo’s qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, the country’s first. It was a moment of great national pride.
Cabinda
In January 2010, Togo travelled to Angola for the Africa Cup of Nations. Their bus was attacked by separatist gunmen in Cabinda. The assistant coach and the team’s media officer were killed, along with the bus driver, and several players were wounded.
The team withdrew from the tournament. Adebayor spoke of the trauma and briefly retired from international football.
Manchester City and beyond
Adebayor moved to Manchester City in 2009, and later played on loan at Real Madrid and for Tottenham, where he formed a strong partnership in attack. He also played in Turkey and elsewhere later in his career.
Tottenham
At Tottenham, Adebayor enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2011-12, scoring 17 Premier League goals and forming a strong partnership with the team’s creative players. Spurs fans remember that season fondly.
Controversy
His career had controversies, including his celebration in front of Arsenal fans after scoring for Manchester City, which angered supporters. He also spoke publicly about difficult family relationships.
Legacy
For Togo, a small country with few football stars, Adebayor was a national hero. His goals put Togo on the map, and his survival in Cabinda became part of the country’s story.
The bus
Football careers are measured in goals and trophies. Adebayor’s is also measured by a bus ride in Angola, and by the teammates who did not come home from it.
